 St. Josemaria Escriva (1902-1975) |
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Opus Dei was founded in 1928 in Spain by a priest by the name of Josemaria Escriva(above), later to be canonized as a saint, and is now practiced in 61 countries worldwide. In Dan Brown's novel, the Catholic institution is looked upon in a very negative way, almost as far as displaying it as an institution composed completely of evil villains. In the novel there is much talk about "corporal mortification", the act of inflicting pain and suffering on oneself as a constant reminder of Christ's sacrifice. The most commonly used device for this mortification is the "Cilice Belt", pictured above, which is a metal spiked device worn around the thigh constantly causing pain. On their official website Opus Dei denies taking part in bloody mortifications, only later saying that some of it's members have used the Cilice. This doesn't seem linear to me and just adds to some proof that perhaps some of what Dan Brown had stated in his novel was true. Brown has been quoted saying that his novel is indeed fiction but that it is based on many historical facts.
"All descriptions of artwork,
architecture, documents, and secret rituals
in this novel are accurate."
-Dan Brown
"The Vatican prelature know as Opus Dei is a deeply devout Catholic
sect that has been the topic of recent controversy due to reports of brain-washing,
coercion, and a dangerous practice known as "corporal mortification."
Opus Dei has just completed construction of a $47 million National Headquarters
at 243 Lexington Avenue in New York City."
-Dan Brown
For more information on Opus Dei check out the link below.
architecture, documents, and secret rituals
in this novel are accurate."
-Dan Brown
"The Vatican prelature know as Opus Dei is a deeply devout Catholic
sect that has been the topic of recent controversy due to reports of brain-washing,
coercion, and a dangerous practice known as "corporal mortification."
Opus Dei has just completed construction of a $47 million National Headquarters
at 243 Lexington Avenue in New York City."
-Dan Brown
For more information on Opus Dei check out the link below.
| www.opusdei.org |
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